Muay Thai saved my health

Hi guys, just wanted to share my story here.

The year before I started with Muay Thai, I did mainly weightlifting and occasionally cycling. While this is definitely not bad, compared to before, where I did climbing/bouldering the movements became less natural. Long story short 6 months ago I suffered from a herniated disc (at the age of 31), because of lifting to heavy and maybe in a wrong way because I was distracted at the moment.

While the following months were the most pain intense of my life, I dropped lifting in favour of MT (my doctor said I should still do sports 'if it feels good'). Needless to say the natural movement patterns were way better for my body. I went 2 times 90 mins a week. I also got intense physiotherapy, where I could learn a lot about my bodily 'problems' (like you do in psychotherapy with your mind).

Since I did 8 years of Tae Kwon Do in my childhood/teenage years, the kicking came more naturally. Keeping the guard up and boxing was different from what you learn in traditional martial arts, so there's a whole new area to explore. It's been an amazin journey so far. The best thing about it: my back pain is now (6 months later) completely gone without the need for surgery. I feel fitter and stronger than ever and additionally been hitting the gym once a week again. Also I have cut alcohol from my 'diet' because it just doesn't fit in anymore. I'm deeply grateful I have the possibilities to follow this sports.

TLDR: suffered from herniated disc because of lifting too heavy in the gym. Started Muay Thai in combination with physiotherapy. 6 long and pain intense months later I'm pain free and feel stronger than ever. I'm deeply grateful this sports exists.